Warm-hearted swimmers take to the frigid waters of Onset

More than 80 fearless swimmers jumped into the frigid waters off Onset Beach Thursday to raise money for food baskets that the Onset Fire Department prepares for the needy each Christmas.

BECKY W. EVANS

More than 80 fearless swimmers jumped into the frigid waters off Onset Beach Thursday to raise money for food baskets that the Onset Fire Department prepares for the needy each Christmas.

The event, which was sponsored by the department, raised more than $2,000, according to Mike Sanborn, a firefighter who took the New Year's Day polar plunge at noon Thursday, wearing only a pair of shorts.

"It was pretty quick," Mr. Sanborn said. "It was the coldest that we had in five years."

He estimated the water temperature was in the 30s, with the wind chill at minus 7 degrees.

The swimmers were cheered on by a large crowd gathered at Onset pier, Mr. Sanborn said.

"We were kind of shocked that everyone did show up," he said. "We really appreciate it."

After the plunge, swimmers and their supporters gathered at the fire station to enjoy a meal of pizza and pastries donated by local businesses.

The Fire Department fills the food baskets with everything from pastries, bacon and eggs, to a full turkey dinner. This Christmas, it put together 100 baskets, up from 83 last year.

The department is still selling T-shirts for $10 to support the project.

Contact Becky W. Evans at revans@s-t.com

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